Oxygen generators

ABSTRACT

An Oxygen Generator which may be used for emergency purposes generally comprising an elongated housing for the receipt of a material which when burned produces a gas having a substantial amount of oxygen, said housing having a check valve permitting the release of the gas therefrom into a conduit connected to flexible tubing; said flexible tubing being connected to a plenum bag which feeds a face mask attached to a removable cover of the housing; said cover having a lanyard which releases hammers to fire percussion caps adjacent the oxygen-producing material of the container upon removal of said cover.

0 United States Patent 1 13,5s0,250

[72] Inventor August Oroza FOREIGN PATENTS Sam All, Calm 573,372 3/1959Canada 23/281 pp 807,358 498,449 12/1953 Canada 23/281 [22] Flled Mar.14, 1969 [45] patented May 25 97 Pmnary Exammer-Rmhard A. Gaudet [73]Assignee s Divers Asszstant Examiner-G. F. Dunne Attomey-George F.Bethe] [54] OXYGEN GENERATORS 14 Claims, 3 Drawing Figs.

ABSTRACT: An Oxygen Generator whlch may be used for [52] US. Cl 128/203,emergency purposes generally comprising an elongated hous 23/281 ing forthe receipt of a material which when burned produces [51] Int. Cl A621)7/08 a gas having a substantial amount f oxygen, Said housing [50]Fleldotsearch" 128/203; ing a check valve permitting the release of thegas therefrom 23/281; 244/1 18 into a conduit connected to flexibletubing; said flexible tubing bein connected to a lenum ba which feeds aface mask at- [56] References Cited tach d to a removable cover of tiehousing; said cover having UNITED STATES PATENTS a lanyard whichreleases hammers to fire percussion caps ad- 2,507,450 5/1950 Millikanetal 128/203 jacent the oxygen-producing material of the container upon3,385,672 5/ 1968 McGofi'et a1 23/281 7 removal of said cover.

Patented May 25, 1971 3,580,250

2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR.

AUGUST OROZA ATTORNEY Patented May 25, 1971 3,580,250

2 Sheets-Sheet 2 AUGUST OROZA z y zf ATTORNEY OXYGEN GENERATORSBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION l. Field of the Invention The field of thisinvention lies within the art of generating oxygen for breathingpurposes, especially during emergency conditions when the oxygen hasbeen depleted from a users environment.

2. Description of the Prior Art It is well known that when there is nota sufficient source of environmental oxygen available, that humanexistence must rely upon oxygen from sources other than the surroundingenvironment. To supply such oxygen various forms of apparatus have beenutilized. Some forms of apparatus have relied upon air or oxygen storeunder pressure and distributed through a series of conduits. Lateradvances in the art have employed chemical generation of oxygen by meansof burning such compounds as sodium chlorate. The sodium chlorate hasgenerally been placed in the form of a hardened mass which in theparlance of the an is referred to as a candle. When the candle isignited, it burns gradually, liberating oxygen for breathing purposes.

Prior art chemical oxygen generators have generally been large andcumbersome in their design and size. They have not provided a rapid andready supply of oxygen on short notice which may be utilized by anuntrained person. In essence such chemical oxygen generators of theprior art have generally been large canisters, and other apparatus suchas retorts which do not provide a ready source of oxygen on shortnotice.

Another deficiency of the prior art is that such generators have notbeen easily used in close proximity to their user. This stems from thefact that such generators impart a substantial amount of thermal energyto their surroundings. Unless the user is removed from close proximityto the generator, the prior art generators are a source of danger.

Prior art generators have relied upon starting techniques, and apparatuswhich are not readily usable by untrained persons. Thus, if an untraineduser of prior art chemical oxygen generators were to rely upon theoxygen supplied therefrom the user might not be able to obtainsufficient oxygen in time to sustain his life,

The invention described herein is a substantial step forward in thestate of the art of chemical oxygen generation for emergency purposes.The invention enables an untrained user to effectively sustain himselfby means of a simple manipulation, which actuates a reliable source ofoxygen as well as providing the user with a well-positioned mask.'Theapparatus is highly reliable, and does not require service or attentionduring extended periods of time.

The invention has specifically overcome the requirement of a pressurizedemergency oxygen system for airplane cabins. The prior art has generallyrelied upon sources of oxygen kept under pressure, with an elaboratesystem of pipes and conduits to supply oxygen to each respectivepassenger. This has involved a substantial increase to the plane'soverall gross weight. More importantly, such an oxygen system has to beconstantly maintained and checked to assure that the oxygen is of asufficient pressure, and that the supply lines are operable. The mask insuch prior art systems must be actuated by mechanical or electricalmeans which let the mask drop down to the proximity of the user. If anyof the apparatus of the prior art systems is not maintained in properworking condition, all the passengers are placed in jeopardy, shouldtheir cabin become depressurized. The instant invention overcomes theforegoing disadvantages by providing a reliable individually controlledsource of oxygen for each passenger.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In summation, the instant invention provides aself-contained easily operated solid state chemical oxygen generatorwhich-utilizes the burning of an oxygenproducing substance. The oxygengenerator utilizes an elongated tubular container which acts as areaction vessel to contain the burning of the oxygen-producing substancetherein. A second container and housing surround the reaction vessel toprovide an appropriate structure and insulate the user from the heat ofreaction. The housing and combination of the containers provide a smallcompact accessible unit.

The invention provides a reliable solid state source of oxygen which maybe actuated at the users discretion on short notice. The generatorremains on a stand by basis for an extended period of time and isactuated by merely uncapping the cover thereof and placing the maskprovided over the users mouth.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of thegenerator in its operative position with the cap removed;

FIG. 2 is a view along line 2-2 of FIG. I and shows an end view of theoxygen generator with its cover removed revealing the hammers andpercussion caps which serve to ignite the oxygen-producing substance;

FIG. 3 shows a partially fragmented, longitudinal cross section view ofthe oxygen generator.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now more specificallyto FIG. 1, an Oxygen Generator l0 embodying this invention is shown asit would be used. A cover 12 is shown removed from the generator housing14. The cover 12 has a mask 16 which is afiixed to the interiorallyfacing portion of the cover 12.

A plenum bag 18, which helps to supply a constant source of oxygenduring use, is shown in a partially expanded condition. The plenum bag18 is operably connected at one end to the base of the mask 16 and atthe other end to a length of flexible tubing 20. The flexible tubing 20is in turn connected to the source of oxygen supplied by the oxygengenerator. A sufficient length of flexible tubing 20 is supplied so thatthe user may remove the cover 12 from the housing 14 and have enoughtubing 20 to place the mask 16 over his mouth.

In order to secure the oxygen generator 10 in a position which is easilyaccessible to a potential user, a pair of brackets 22 are provided whichmay be secured to the underside of an airplane seat. However, anysuitable attachment means may be employed for attaching the housing 14to a structural member.

With more specific reference to FIGS 2 and 3, it is seen that thetubular housing 14 of the oxygen generator 10 is removably mounted inthe brackets 22. The brackets 22 comprise flexible metal bands 23 whichwrap around the housing 14. The flexible metal bands 23 are secured intight-fitting contact around the housing by means of snap-buckles 24.The snap-buckles 24 may be fonned as a continuation of the bands 23andbrackets 22. The snap-buckles 24 are of a well-known type in thefastening art which generally have a handle 26 pivotally mounted bymeans of a pin 28. The tightness of the buckles and in turn the flexiblebands is controlled by means of a tightening screw 30.

The specific showing of the oxygen generator 10 in FIG. 3 shows theinterior of the oxygen generator through the core. The core comprises acylindrical mass 34 which is formed from an oxygen-producing material,such as sodium chlorate. The sodium chlorate is usually formed with aferrous material to enhance its burning qualities. The cylindrical mass34 has an enriched portion shown generally by a conical portion 36. Theenriched section 36 permits rapid ignition after which the materialburns in an even manner toward its base.

The oxygen-producing material is surrounded by a canister 38. In orderto insulate the canister 38 from the heat of reaction, a surroundinglayer of fibrous glass 40 or other high temperature-insulating materialis provided. The fibrous glass 40 not only serves as an insulatingmedium, but helps to filter the gaseous products which have beengenerated.

A second container 42 is provided, which surrounds the tin canister 38.The second container 42 serves as a protective thermal cover as well asa structural receptacle for said canister 38. The second container 42 isprovided at one end with a flange 43 and can be connected by anysuitable means such as a weld, rivet or screw connection to a bracingmember 46. The bracing member 46 is connected to a spacer, or ring 48which is in turn either affixed to or a portion of an outer housing 50,or shell.

The outer housing 50 is generally made of a lightweight material such asplastic. The housing 50 can be partially opened by slots 51 or otheropenings provided in its surface, so that air may circulate between theouter housing 50 and the second container 42. In this manner a flow ofair is provided for cooling the reaction vessel. Thus, the coolness ofthe outside surface of housing 50 is maintained so that the generatormay be placed in close proximity to a user, such as under an airplanepassengers seat.

In order to effectuate safe operation of the oxygen generator l0, andexcess pressure release means is provided in the form of a blowout disc52. The blowout disc is shown seated in an annulus 53 with an opening 55leading into the canister 38. The blowout disc 52 may be in any suitableform as long as it will burst out of position and release the internalpressure within the canister 38 when the pressure therein approaches thebursting strength of the canister.

As can be understood, when the exterior of the oxygen generator isexposed to reduced pressure, a means for release of the excess pressureinside the second container 42 should be provided for. In order toprovide for such a release, a valve 54 is placed within the secondcontainer 42 which provides for the relief of any pressure differentialbuilt up therein. The valve 54 can comprise a rubber flapper valve withan opening 56 therein and is seated by means of an annular portion 58.Any pressure release means is sufficient as long as the pressuredifferential is relieved. For instance, a simple rubber flap can beutilized which will move under positive pressure.

At the end of the canister 38 a check valve 60 is seated in the wall ofthe canister 38. The check valve 60 can be of any suitable type having aspring biased valve surface which will permit the escapement of thegenerated oxygen. An inner portion 61 of the valve 60 is seated in thecanister 38, and is provided with an opening 63 through which the oxygenmay pass. The valve 60 has an outer portion 62 which passes through theintermediate container 42. The outer portion 62 has a suitablespring-loaded valve surface which may be of any suitable type such as amushroom valve. The outer portion 62 has a tube 64 seated therein intight-fitting engagement so that the oxygen expanding into the outerportion of the check valve 62 will pass into the tube 64.

The tube 64 extends along the base of the longitudinal portion of theoxygen generator between the outer housing and the second container 42.In this area, the air is free to circulate over the tube 64 so that acooling of the gasses is effectuated. ln this manner the tube 64 acts asa heat exchanger for cooling the oxygen to the temperature at which itcan be breathed. The tube 64 extends through the support member 46 andis connected to the flexible tubing 20.

When the oxygen generator is not in use the flexible tubing is coiled inthe interior portion of the mask 16. The mask 16 has an annular baseportion 66 which is secured to a structural portion 68 of the cover 12.The securing element can be in the form ofa metal clip 69 which claspsthe annular base 66 of the mask.

The cover 12 which is affixed to the annular base portion 66 of the mask12 is inserted into the interior of the housing 50 prior to use. Thecover is held in place by a garter spring 70 which surrounds an annulardepression 72 in the outer periphery 74 of the cover 12. The garterspring maintains a lip 71 of the cover 12in overlying relationship withthe edge of the housing 50 to maintain the internal portion free fromdust and dirt.

The cover 12 is provided with a tamper indicator. The tamper indicatorcomprises a detent 76 in the outer portion 74 forming an annulus of thecover 12. The detent is effectively secured in a slot or depression 75within the exterior surface of the housing 50 so that the cover 12cannot be axially rotated with respect to its longitudinal axis. Thus,the cover 12 must be pulled from the housing 50 along a longitudinalaxis if it is to be removed, which provides actuation of the tamperindicator.

The tamper indicator is partially encased in an opening 78 which isformed from the interior of the cover 12. The opening 78 provides acylindrical channel in which a spring 80 is held under compression. Thespring 80 is biased against a plunger 82 which has a rounded end surface84. ln the outer portion of the lip of the cover 12 an opening 86 isprovided. The opening 86 permits the plunger 82 to pass therethrough bythe pressure of the spring 80 forcing it into the opening 86 when thecover is longitudinally moved with respect to the axis of the generator10. Thus, when so moved, the plunger 82 will be forced into the opening86 indicating that the cover 12 has been tampered with. The replacementof the cover cannot then be effectuated until the plunger 82 has beenpushed internally of the inner circumference of the housing 50.

In order to operate the oxygen generator, the cover 12 is removed. Uponremoval of the cover, a pair of lanyards 88 are put in tension by virtueof the fact that they are attached to the cover by means of a loop 90.As the lanyards are put in tension they pull a pair of trip release 0"springs 92 which have their ends secured in holes 94 formed in thesurrounding structure 96. The structure 96 surrounds a pair ofpercussion caps 98 which are exposed on the interior of the canister 38to the enriched portion 36 of the oxygen generating material 34. A pairof hammers 100 are provided which flip over and fire the percussion caps98 under pressure provided by coiled springs 102.

The structure 96 can be secured by an annular base 106. The annular base106 is attached by twisting it in a counterclockwise direction and thenturning down three screws 108.

In lieu of using the percussion caps for igniting the oxygen generatingmaterial 34 other means may be utilized. One means employs an electricalheating element which may be inserted partially into the enrichedportion 36 of the material 34, or in close proximity thereto.

The electrical heating element can then be connected to a source ofelectrical energy which will heat the element suffi ciently to ignitethe oxygen-producing material 34.

The heating element may be connected in series to other heating elementsin other generators, so that they may all be supplied a source ofelectrical energy at the same time from a general source. A furtherembodiment incorporates a source of electrical energy supplied to theheating element through a line which is energized by a switch activatedwhen the cover 12 is removed.

It can be seen from the foregoing description of the preferredembodiments that the oxygen generator 10 provides accessible and readilyused equipment in the eventuality an emergency arises. It should beunderstood that other alternative embodiments and equivalents may besubstituted for the various portions of the oxygen generator 10.Therefore, the invention is to be read only in light of the followingclaims which substantially define the scope and spirit of the inventionover the prior art.

I claim:

1. An oxygen generator comprising:

a housing;

oxygen-generating material contained within said housing;

means for starting the generation of oxygen by said oxygengeneratingmaterial;

a conduit connected to said container for the conduction of thegenerated oxygen away from said housing;

a breathing mask attached to said conduit for supplying the generatedoxygen to a user for breathing purposes; and means attached to saidbreathing mask linking said mask with said starting means so that whensaid mask is substantially removed, said starting means will initiatethe generation of oxygen by causing the oxygen-generating material tostart burning.

2. An oxygen generator as claimed in claim 1 wherein said starting meanscomprise:

at least one releasable spring-biased striking member linked to saidmask;

at least one percussion actuated charge in sufficient proximity to saidoxygen-generating material for the ignition thereof when said strikingmember strikes said charge;

means for retaining said striking member from spring-biased movement.

3. An oxygen generator as claimed in claim 1 wherein said conduit is ofsufficient length and thickness to provide an exchange of heat betweenthe generated oxygen and the surrounding environment to cool the oxygenwhich has been generated to a temperature at which it may be breathed.

4. An oxygen generator as claimed in claim 1 wherein said housingcomprises:

a reaction .vessel containing said oxygen-generating materia containersurrounding said reaction vessel; and

an outer shell surrounding at least a portion of said container.

5. An oxygen generator comprising:

an outer housing;

an interior reaction vessel within said outer housing;

oxygen-generating material contained within said interior reactionvessel;

a mask removably mounted on said housing;

a firing means within said housing and in sufficient proximi ty to saidoxygen-generating material to cause ignition thereof upon firing;

means for mechanically linking said mask and said firing means foroperably actuating said firing means so that when said mask is removedfrom its mounting, said firing means will be actuated; and

a gas conduit connected to said reaction vessel at one end, and at theother end to said mask by a suitable connection means, so that when saidoxygen-generating material generates oxygen it will be transferred fromsaid conduit to said mask.

6. An oxygen generator as claimed in claim 5 wherein said starting meanscomprises:

at least one percussion fired ignition charge within sufficientproximity to said oxygen-producing material for ignition thereof uponfiring;

at least one spring-biased releasable hammer in sufficient proximity tosaid ignition charge to permit impingement against said charge at theterminal end of its path; and

wherein said mechanical linking means between said mask and said firingmeans comprises a flexible connector.

7. An oxygen generator as claimed in claim 5 further comprising:

a cover forming a portion of said housing; and

means for securing said mask to said cover, so that when said cover isremoved from said housing said mask is dismounted.

8. An oxygen generator as claimed in claim 5 further com prising:

a spring-biased plunger cooperatively linked to said mask, and inproximity to an edge portion of the housing of said generator so thatwhen said mask is removed from said housing the bias of the spring willproject said plunger beyond said edge region, thereby indicating theremoval of said mask and preventing the replacement thereof without theapplication of pressure against the spring bias,

9. An oxygen generator as claimed in claim 7 further comprising:

a plunger seated within the structure of said cover which is maintainedinternally of said housing when said cover is in place so that when saidcover is moved with respect to said housing, said plunger will projectfrom said cover externally of said housing.

10. An oxygen generator as claimed in claim 9 wherein: said plunger 18spring biased so that when said cover 15 removed from said housing saidspring-biased plunger will project from said cover externally of saidhousing.

11. An oxygen generator as claimed in claim 5 wherein said firing meanscomprise:

an electrical heating element,

12. An oxygen generator as claimed in claim 11 further comprising:

electrical switching means for activating a flow of electrical currentthrough said heating element; and

wherein said mechanical linking means link said mask and saidelectrical-switching means for activation thereof upon removal of saidmask.

13. An oxygen generator as claimed in claim 1 wherein said means forstarting the generation of oxygen by said oxygengenerated materialcomprises:

an electrical heating element for igniting said oxygengeneratingmaterial.

14. An oxygen generator as claimed in claim 12 further comprising:

electrical-switching means for activating a flow of current through saidheating element.

2. An oxygen generator as claimed in claim 1 wherein said starting meanscomprise: at least one releasable spring-biased striking member linkedto said mask; at least one percussion actuated charge in sufficientproximity to said oxygen-generating material for the ignition thereofwhen said striking member strikes said charge; means for retaining saidstriking member from spring-biased movement.
 3. An oxygen generator asclaimed in claim 1 wherein said conduit is of sufficient length andthickness to provide an exchange of heat between the generated oxygenand the surrounding environment to cool the oxygen which has beengenerated to a temperature at which it may be breathed.
 4. An oxygengenerator as claimed in claim 1 wherein said housing comprises: areaction vessel containing said oxygen-generating material; a containersurrounding said reaction vessel; and an outer shell surrounding atleast a portion of said container.
 5. An oxygen generator comprising: anouter housing; an interior reaction vessel within said outer housing;oxygen-generating material contained within said interior reactionvessel; a mask removably mounted on said housing; a firing means withinsaid housing and in sufficient proximity to said oxygen-generatingmaterial to cause ignition thereof upon firing; means for mechanicallylinking said mask and said firing means for operably actuating saidfiring means so that when said mask is removed from its mounting, saidfiring means will be actuated; and a gas conduit connected to saidreaction vessel at one end, and at the other end to said mask by asuitable connection means, so that when said oxygen-generating materialgenerates oxygen it will be transferred from said conduit to said mask.6. An oxygen generator as claimed in claim 5 wherein said starting meanscomprises: at least one percussion fired ignition charge withinsufficient proximity to said oxygen-producing material for ignitionthereof upon firing; at least one spring-biased releasable hammer insufficient proximity to said ignition charge to permit impingementagainst said charge at the terminal end of its path; and wherein saidmechanical linking means between said mask and said firing meanscomprises a flexible connector.
 7. An oxygen generator as claimed inclaim 5 further comprising: a cover forming a portion of said housing;and means for securing said mask to said cover, so that when said coveris removed from said housing said mask is dismounted.
 8. An oxygengenerator as claimed in claim 5 further comprising: a spring-biasedplunger cooperativeLy linked to said mask, and in proximity to an edgeportion of the housing of said generator so that when said mask isremoved from said housing the bias of the spring will project saidplunger beyond said edge region, thereby indicating the removal of saidmask and preventing the replacement thereof without the application ofpressure against the spring bias.
 9. An oxygen generator as claimed inclaim 7 further comprising: a plunger seated within the structure ofsaid cover which is maintained internally of said housing when saidcover is in place so that when said cover is moved with respect to saidhousing, said plunger will project from said cover externally of saidhousing.
 10. An oxygen generator as claimed in claim 9 wherein: saidplunger is spring biased so that when said cover is removed from saidhousing said spring-biased plunger will project from said coverexternally of said housing.
 11. An oxygen generator as claimed in claim5 wherein said firing means comprise: an electrical heating element. 12.An oxygen generator as claimed in claim 11 further comprising:electrical switching means for activating a flow of electrical currentthrough said heating element; and wherein said mechanical linking meanslink said mask and said electrical-switching means for activationthereof upon removal of said mask.
 13. An oxygen generator as claimed inclaim 1 wherein said means for starting the generation of oxygen by saidoxygen-generated material comprises: an electrical heating element forigniting said oxygen-generating material.
 14. An oxygen generator asclaimed in claim 12 further comprising: electrical-switching means foractivating a flow of current through said heating element.